Control surface for airplanes



Oct. 22, i940- T. N. JOYCE CONTROL SURFACE FOR AIRPLANES 10 Sheets-Shet l Filed July 20, 1938 Oct. 22, 1940- l -T. N. JOYCE CONTROL SURFACE FOR IRPLNES 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 20,v 1938 www 7271/25/14 Jax/cf Oct. 22, 1940- T. N. JOYCE ccNTRoL SURFACE FOR AAIRPLANES Filed July 2o, 1938 1o sheets-shea s W Md Oct. 22, 1940.l T, N 'JOYCE CUNTROL SURFACE FOR AI'RPLANES Filed July 20, 1938 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 Oct. 22, 1940.

T. N. JOYCE CONTROL SURFACE FOR AIRPLANES Filed July-2o. 193s 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 727mm Mja/fa- @troll/nua@ Oct. 22, 1940. T. N. JOYCE 2,218,822

C SNTROL SURFACE FOR AIRPLANES Y Filed July 20,A 1958 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 Oct Z2, l940 T. NfJoYcE CONTRL SURFACE FOR AIRPLANES Filed July 20, 1958 10 SlicetsfSheet 7 Imam/bom N k FIIIIIIII'I lwlifr@ i@ my i m @wma i.

NSN -RN Oct. 22, 19,40. 'r,- N. .JOYCE f CONTROL SURFACE FR AIRPLANES Filed Ju1y-2o. y1939 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 7Z7/Hn1/Jarcf T. N. JOYCE common SURFACE lFOR AIRPLAims 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed July .20, 1958 Oct. 22, 1940.

T. N. JOYCE GONTROL SURFACE FOR AIPLANES -Filed Juiy 2o. 1958 1o sheets-sheet 1o n Mm... lL mw.

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Patented Oct. 2.2, 1940 CONTROL SURFACE FOR AIRPLANES Temple N. Joyce, Arnold, Md., assignor to Zap Development Corporation, Baltimore, Md., a. corporation of Delaware Application July 20, 1938, Serial N0. 220,359

Claims.

The present invention relates in general to aircraft and more particularly has reference to control surfaces for airplanes.

Heretofore it has been :found to be highlyadvantageous to employ airfoils in which the ratio of maximum lift to minimum dragthat could be obtained was relatively large. In present day design, iiaps are being used toincrease that ratio of an airfoil by increasing the maximum lift obtainable without increasing the minimum drag any appreciable amount. In addition, airfoils of variable camber and variable area are resorted to in an effort to secure an increase in this ratio. However, the majority of the constructions mentioned above'possess undesirable characteristics, for instance, the structural details are of such complex nature and the cost of manufacture is so high as to render their use prohibitive. In addition, the' lift increasing members or iiaps conflict with the lateral control members or ailerons and as a result, hinder the eiciency of either or of both members.

An object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantagesnow inherent in the art. n

Another object of the present'invention is to arrange the parts in such a manner that they will not impede or hinder the effectiveness of the controlling elements or the proper balance.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide means for increasing the eiiiciency of aircraft lifting surfaces and of its lateral control surfaces.

Another object of my invention is to provide an airfoil which will have proper lateral control at both low and high speeds.

Still another object of my invention is to provide anairfoil with lateral control surfaces that will enable the employment of full-span ilaps thereby allowing minimum take-oif distance and maximum reduction in landing speed. Yet another object of my invention is to provide a spoiler, ilap and aileron control in which the aileron cannot be operated as long as the ap is in its inoperative position.

Yet a further object of this invention is the provision of control surfaces for airfoils whichv the aileron to its operative location so long as the iiap is in its'inoperative position. At the same time, however, the spoilers are free to be operated at high speeds to ailord the necessary lateral control for the airplane. Manifestly, this arrangement by preventing the ailerons from being moved to their operative positions while the plane is flying at high speeds, will obviate any possibility of these members being ripped of! or dam- 5 aged in any way, or affected adversely by ice.

On the other hand, when the airplane is ying at low speed and the ilap is lowered, the aileron will then be moved to its operative position. At the same time, the. spoilers are disengaged from the control and are moved to their inoperative position. The type'aileron used in this invention isl highly effective at low speeds due to the fact that it is lying in a stimulated iiow of air over theV top surface of the air foil caused by the lowering o of the flap and as a result any movement of the ailerons has an increased effect on the lateral movement of the wing.

0f course, the present invention possesses additional advantageous characteristics and has additional objects that will become readily apparent from a study of the embodiments of the inventive concept illustrated herein.

To facilitate an adequate comprehension of my invention, reference is directed to the accompanying drawings which illustrate various forms of the present invention, it being understood, however, that various changes may be made therein by those conversant in the art without exceeding the scope of the invention as described by the appended claims.

In the drawings in which like numerals designate similar parts:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of an airplane equipped with my spoiler, flap and aileron constructions.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of an airfoil showing the iiap and aileron in the operative position.

Figure 3 is a fragmental sectional view of the trailing edge of an airfoil showing the aileron and ap in their raised position.

Figure 4 is a fragmental sectional view of an airfoil showing the aileron and ap in their operative position.

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5 5 of Figure 4 looking'in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic representation of the control mechanism for actuating the ailerons and spoilers. t Figure 7 is a diagrammatic representation of the valve mechanism for actuating the aileron raising member and for operating the clutch mechanism that is associated with the'control stick.

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic representation showing the use of two hinged spoilers.

Figure A9 is a diagrammatic representation vshowing the use of a vertically movable spoiler. 60

Figure 10 is a view in. side elevation depicting another form of my invention and showing the aileron and flap in the operative position.

Figure 11 is a diagrammatic representation of the control system for actuating the surfaces shown lin Figure 10.

airplane showing another modification of my inventive concept.

section, of the airfoil shown in Figure 16 and depicting the aileron and flap in. the operative position. j

Figure 18 is a fragmental sectional view showing the manner in which the aileron is actuated.

Figure 19 is a view taken along line lS--l of Figure 18.

Figure 2O is a. view taken along line 2--2Il of Figure 18.

Figure 21 is a view' taken along line I-2i of Figure 18.

v Figure 22 is a view taken along line 22-22 of Figure 18.

Figure 23 is a diagrammatic representation of the electrical circuit for actuating the aileron spoiler control shown in Figures 16 to 22 inclusive.

Figure 24 is a fragment/al sectional view of the trailing edge of an airfoil showing another form of my inventive concept and depicting the aileron and flap in the operative position.

Figure 25 is a view taken along line 25-25 of Figure 24 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 26 is a view taken along line 26--26 of Figure 2iA looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 27 is a viewtaken along line '2l-21 of Figure 24.

Referring to the drawings and more particularly to Figure 1, there depicted an airplane I having a motor 2, fuselage 3, airfodls 4, and an empennage assembly 5. As best shown in Figure 2, ailerons 6 are mounted above the airfoil at thev trailing edge and flaps 'lare supported below the airfoil near the trailing edge thereof. In addition, spoilers 8 are provided adjacent the leading edge of the airfoil. Of course, it is obvious that the spoilers can be located at other advantageous locations on the upper surface of the wing A.

Each wing is provided with a rear spar I0 and a recess -II :Is formed in the upper trailing edge thereof in which the aileron 6 is adapted to nest in its vinoperative position as shown in Figure 3. -Al-so, the trailing edge of the airfoil d is provided with conventional longitudinal bracing members I2 that are attached to the spar I0 as shown et I3.

. The main portion of the wing likewise is provided with simil-ar bracing members I2'. The aileron 8 is mounted on a link or am I4, the upper end of which is slightly curved as shown at I5 and is ailixed to a transversely extending tube I6 suitably journalled in the aileron 6. The lower end of the link I4 is attached to a torque As will hereinafter' become :more readily appar-- ent, the link 2t is adapted to actuate .the aileron, whereas, the'liuh if; employed te move the 'aileron from its nested location up to its position inthe airstreani.. y

The lower end of the link 29 is pivcted at 22 to a hell crank 2B which in turn is ivo-tally attached .toa push rod 25 asshown at 2t. The push rod 25 entends through apertin'es 2l in the spar i@ into the'rnain area Vof the wing and is pivdtally connected to an operating arm 28 as depicted at 29. In addition, the arm 28 is suitably pivoted to a portion of the wing as shown at 3i?. The aileron operating cables 3| are secured to the arm by connections 32. Figure 1'? is a view in side elevation, partly in upper surface t5, there are provided supports 5l, y

which are suitably attached thereto.

The supports 3i are formedr with upwardly extending flanges et in which is journalled a. stub shaft te. suitably secured 'to the stub shaft 3s is a link Ml. 'Iihe link Mills attached at its upper end to e. torque tube di as 'shown at d2 which extends transverseltr of the airfoil and is suitably journalled in the bracing members I2, as shown at 43. s n

As Ibest shown ln Figures 4 and 5, a pmi' of the longitudinally extending bracing members IZ are provided withA elongated slots 4.5which are inclined slightly from the horizontal as shown in Figure 4. Rollers 46 mounted on a shaft 41 in .the flanges 38 of the flap 'l are adapted .toride' inthe slots 45. In order to move the ap 'l from its raised or inoperative position as shown in Figure 3, .to its extended or operative position as shown in Figure 4, I have provided fthe following construction.

Referring to Figure 5, it canbe seen that the torque tube 4I is provided with a worm 48 which isA adapted to mesh with a worm wheel 59 mounted on a shaft 49'. 'Ilhe shaft 49' extends to a location near the pilots seat, so that by rotation of'a handle or the like associated with the shait, the shaft can be rotated to move the flap.

As previously pointed out, the aileron B cannot be operated as long as 'the flap 'I is in its raised or inoperative position. However, when the flap is lowered, the aileron can be operated. It is obvious therefore that it is necessary to provide some means that will move the aileron to a point above |the airfoil when the ap 'I is lowered from its raised position.

In order .to accomplish this result, I have provided a valve construction that is designated generally |by the numeral 45I) and which is located in .the trailing edgeof the airfoil 4 at a position adjacent the leading edge of the flap as shown in 3. The valve 50 is of the four-way type and is provided withponts 52, 53, 54 and 55..

end 58 is secured to the outer end of the arm 51 75 and as shown in Figure 5, the arm in the path of the shaft 41.

In Figure 6, I have shown diagrammaticaliy the manner in which the ailerons and iiap are operated. lit can be seen that there is provided at some suitable location in the airplane a source of oil designated 68. The oil supply 68 is connectcd with an oil pump 6I-by means of piping 82. Pipe. ,63 connects the oil pump 6| with a pressure tank 64. Suitably coupled to the line 83 is a relief valve 65 which is also provided with a line 66 which communicates with the pump 6| through connections 61.

In the event the oil pump 6| fails, it is possible by means of the pressure tank 64 to always have a source of oil under pressure thereby obvlating any danger of the oil supply system being rendered inoperative.

The pressure tank 84 is provided with a lead pipe 68 which communicates Wirth the port 52 in the valve 58. 'I'.he porrt 54 is provided with line 68 is located 68 which is attached at its other end to the oil supply source 68. A

Assuming, for the sake of explanation, that the fiap 1 is being lowered as shown in Figure 4 and the valve is in the position indicated in Figure 7, it can be seen that the oil under pressure is admitted through port 52, thence into the orifice 18, in the plug 56 and out through the outlet 53 into pipe 1|. The oil flows through pipe 1| into a cylinder 12 through inlet 13. A piston 14 carried by piston rod 15 is movable in the cylinderV 12.` Manifestly, when the oil is admitted into the cylinder 12, the piston 14 will be moved toward the right as shown in Figure 7. A link 16 lis pivotally attached to the end of the piston rod 15 as shown at 11. The opposite end of the link 16 is swingably connected at 18 to an arm 18 which is rigidly attached to the torque tube |1.

It is believed apparent that when the fluid under pressure is admitted into the cylinder 12, the piston 14, link 16, and arm 19 will-rotate the torque tube I1, thereby raising the aileron 6 to its raised position by the link I4.

It can also be seen from Figure 7 that the cylinder 12,is provided with an outlet opening 85 in which is tted piping 86 which is in communication with the port 55 in the valve 58.

The pipe 1I is provided with T-tting 81 into one arm of which is secured a pipe 88. The other extremityof the pipe 88 is attached to an inlet fitting 89 of a cylinder 98. A piston'8l carried by piston rod 82 is movable in the cylinder 98. Links 83 are pivoted to the piston rod 82 as shown at 84. The other ends of the links 93 are pivotally mounted to a yoke 85 which is pivoted to some suitable member of the airplane as shown at 86.

'I'he yoke 85 is pivoted to a ring 91 that is mounted in a groove provided on a sliding member 88 which is keyed to shaft |88 as depicted at I8I. The shaft |88 is connected with the control stick of the airplane |82 as indicated at |83.

An arm |84 idles on shaft |88 and is provided with a clutch face |85. Referring to Figure 6, it can be seen that a connection |81 having a lost motion slot 88 is attached to the arm |84 by the pin |88. A cable ||8 is attached to the connection |81 and is'guided'over pulleys and is provided at its opposite end with a connection ||2. A bell crank |I3'is pivoted at'one end to the connection ||2 and links ||4 are pivoted to the opposite end as shown at ||5. "Ihe links ||4 are pivotally mounted to the spoiler 8 as shown at I I6. A coil spring I1 has one end'attached to the connection' I2 and the opposite end suitably secured to the inside of the airfoil. The spring I |1 is adapted to normally hold the spoiler 8 in its inoperative or nested position.

Referring again to Figure '7, it can be seen that'a second arm |28 also idles on the shaft |88. arm is also formed with a clutch face |2|. The clutch face |85 of the arm |84 and the face |2| ofithe ann |28 are adapted to engage clutch faces |22 and |23, respectively, on the sliding member 88.

Obviously, when clutch face |85 of arm |84 is in engagement with the clutch face |22 ofthe sliding member 98, any movement of the control mitted through the pipe 88 into the cylinder 88,

it will move the piston 9| toward the left as shown in Figure 7, thus moving link 82 and rocking the yoke 95 about its pivot 96. 'Ihe rocking of the yoke about its pivot will move the slidable member 98 toward the right, thereby engaging the clutch face |23 of the sliding member 99 with the face |2| of the arm |28. Simultaneously, the face |22 of the sliding member 88 will be moved out of engagement with the face |85 of the arm |84, thereby disconnecting the spoilers from the control stick. It is believed clear that when the clutch face 2| ofthe arm |28 is-in engagement with the face of the slidable member 98, any movement of the control stick |82 will be transmitted to the arm |28.4

Referring again to Figure 6, it can be seen that a connection |38 is pivoted to each ex. tremity of the arm |28. The aileron control cable 3| is attached to the connection |38 and passes over pulleys |32 which are disposed at the necessary positions in the wings and fuselage. The opposite end of thel cable 3| is attached to the arm 28 by the connection 32 as heretofore pointed out. The other end of the arm 28 is provided with a connection |36 to which is attached a cable |31 that is connected at its opposite extremity to a similar arm 28 that is providedin the other wing.

In view of the foregoing description, it is believedclear that I have provided a system of lateral control for airplanes which is highly eiective under all conditions of flight. By having the aileron 6 and theA ap 1 so associated that the aileron cannot be moved to its operative position -until the flap is lowered, any danger of the ailerons being torn loose or seriously damaged while the airplane is ying at high speeds is overcome. .However, the spoilers 8 can be effectively used at high speeds to afford lateral stability of the plane.

Due to the novel clutch mechanism employed,

`the pilot of the plane can easily actuate the vany danger of injury, etc.

' are tied in with the c ontrol and the pilot can easily actuate the ailerons. The Zap type ailerons that are employed are highly effective because they are stimulated by the fiow of air over the top surface of the airfoil due to the iiap. In addition, by using this type of aileron, it will permit I the use of a full-span ap which will reduce the distance necessary for take-off reduce the landing speed. l A

In Figure 8, there is shown asomewhat modiiied form of my invention; In this embodiment and also greatly instead of employing a single spoilersurface, I

provide two spoilers identied bythe numerals-8 and 8. To actuate the surfaces 0 and 8' simultaneously, it can be'seen that the cable H0 is attached to an elongated link |50 by means of a pivotal connection |5I.V The. linkages connect.

ing the spoilers 8 and 8' to the control |02 and themode of operation are identical that |6| which extends transversely of the wing and is suitably supported therein. A link |62 is pivoted to the bell crankat one end and the' opposite end of the link |62 is pivotally mounted at |64 to a vertically movable spoiler surface |65.

The spoiler surface |65 is adapted to be guided upwardly through a structure |66,- which forms a Well for the spoiler in inoperative position.

It is believed obvious that when the pilot actuates the control stick |02, a pull will be exerted on the'ca'ble llwhich will rockftliebell crank |60 about its pivot' and move the spoiler surface |-upwardly through the well |66 to spoil the airow over the upper s ace of Vthe wing. The spoiler shown in this embodiment can be rendered inoperative in the same manner as the spoilersv shown in Figures 6 and 8 when lthe airplane is ying at low speed and the flap is lowered.

In Figures 10 to l5 inclusive there is shown still another form of my invention. An airfoil 200 is provided with a recess 20| in the upper trailing edge'and an aileron 202 'is adapted to nest therein in its inoperative or. retracted position. The aileron is mounted on a longitudinally slidable member 203 by means of upstanding supports 204 which are suitably secured to a tube 205 that is supported in the aileron 202. The supports 204 are preferably integrally formed with the slidable member 203, but it is, of course, obvious that these members can be united in any desired manner. The opposite end of the member 203 is provided with a goose neck 203', and a piston rod 206 is pivotally attached thereto at 201.

As best shown in Figure 13, the rod 206 extends through a gland 208 formed on a plate 209 that is secured to a rear spar 2 0 of the airfoil 200. Also,l

' bolted to the plate 209 and the rear 'spar 2|0 is a cylinder 2H.Y It is apparent that the plate 209 forms the head for the cylinder 2||. A piston 2| 2 is adapted to move in the cylinder 2| I'. Also, it should be noted that the'gland 200 is provided with 'a threaded end and a screw cap 2|3 is enthreaded thereon. A suitable stuing material 2 4 positioned between the cap and the fitting for preventing anyleakage of uid from'the'cylinder 2| I.

The above described mechanism, as will later be discussed more fully. is employed to move the' agissez The ap comprises a smooth lower surface 2|? and a corrugatedupper surface 2|8 to which is l attached supports 2|9 having upwardly projecting anges 220. Link 22| is pivoted at its lower end to the anges 220 as shown at 222 and the upper end of the link -is mounted on a torque tube 223. Positioned rearwardly of the link 22| is a second link 224 that is longer than link 22| which is pivoted at its lower end to the flap 2|6 as shown at 225,. The upper end of the link 224 is pivoted to the airfoil at 226.

-The links 22| and 224 are so positioned and are of such length that when the ap is lowered they will move downwardly and rearwardly and the trailing edge thereof will lie substantially .within the locus of perpendiculars drawn to the datum lines of the airfoil sections that pass through the trailing edge of the airfoils. Also, when the flap 2|6 is lowered (Figure l2) there is provided a slot between the nose of the flap and .the Alower surface of the wing. This slot gives a balancing eiect that is' highly desirable and increases not only the eilciency ofthe flap, but is of great aid in operating the flap and moving it from the inoperative` to the operative position.

As shown in Figure 12, a worm wheel 230 vis attached to the torque tube 223 and a wormwheel 23| mounted on a control shaft 232 is adapted to mesh therewith. The shaft '232 is, of course, eX- tended to a position that is convenient to the pilot of the plane. As a salient feature of the present invention is the provision ofV means whereby the aileron 202 c'a'nnot be moved to its operative position until the ap is lowered, I provide the following mechanism.

A valve casing 240 is suitably secured within the body of the airfoil. The 'valve is provided with a recessedA area 24| in which is adapted to4 positioned between the cap and the connection 245 for preventing the leakage of oil.

An operating head 24s is attached to the end of theplston rod 244 and a coil spring 249 is posi tionedbetween the head 248 and the cap' 246, for

holding normally the piston in the position shown in Figure 12.

Referring now to Figure l5A it can the flap 2|6 when it is in its upper position will bear against the head 248 of the piston rod 242 and compress the spring 249 and hold the valve in the position shown.

When the flap is lowered by the pilot, the spring 249 will urge the piston to the right as shownin Figure 12 and oil will be forced through aperture 250,-portion 24|, port 252 .through the pipe 253, branch pipe 254, into the cylinder 2| I. The oil will force the piston 2|2 to the -position indicated in Figure 13, which in imm will move the slidable tube 203 and the aileron 2|6 from -the recess 20| into the airow.

In Figure 13. it can be seen that a tube 263 is tted within the slidable member 262. The rod 263 extends through a bearing surface 264 that is a portion of the plate' 209. Also secured to the lplate 209 is a supporting bracket 265 through which the tube 263 extends.

Mounted between the bracket 266 and the plate 209 is a sprocket wheel 268. A pin 269 extends throughthe hub of the sprocket andinto an elongated slot 210 formed in the tube 263. In

be seen that addition, the slot 2-10 has adownwardly extend- 75 ving portion 21 I, the purpose of which is to enable the aileron 202 to tproperly within the recess 20| when it is retracted.

Referring to Figure 13, it can be seen that a shaft 213 is fitted within the end of the tube 263. A worm gear 214 is formed on the tube 213 and meshes with teeth 215 provided on a segment 216 that is secured to the torque tube 205.

Manifestly, when rotary movement is imparted to the tube 263 through the sprocket 268, the worm gear 214 will be rotated, and as the -segment 216 is in mesh therewith, movement will be imparted to the aileron 202 to afford the proper lateral control.

At the same time oil under pressure is admitted into the cylinder 2||, it will ow through pipe 280 into a cylinder 28| that is similar in construction and operation to the cylinder 90 shown in Figure 6. Also, since a similar clutching mechanism is employed in connection with this modiflcation, it is not believed necessary to go into another description thereof.

The only difference between the manner of controlling the spoilers and the ailerons in the present form is that the arm employed for actuating the ailerons is of different construction than that shown in Figure 6. It can be seen in Figure 11 that an arm 282 idles on the shaft |00 that is associated with the control stick |02. The arm 282 has an arcuate lower surface 283 provided with a 'groove (not shown). A control cable 284 extends through the groove -and is secured to the arm in any desired manner. The cable 284 is provided with a length of chain 285 that is trained over the sprocket 268.'

It is believed clear, therefore, that when the flap is lowered and the aileron 202 is removed from its recess 20|, and extended to the position shown in Figure 12 that the spoilers will be disconnected from the control stick |02. At the same time, the ailerons 202 will be connected with the control due to the fact that the clutch face of -the arm 282 is iniengagement with the sliding member 88.- Therefore, when the control stick |02 is actuated to bank the plane. movement will be' imparted to the tube 263 through been adverted to, it is unnecessary to repeat them here.

In Figures 17 to`23 there is shown a wing 300 having spars 30|, 302 and 303. A spoiler 304 is hinged to the wing at 305. T o move the spoiler surface 304 about its pivot to spoil the airfoil over the upper surface of the wing, I employ a bell crank 306 that ispivoted at 301 to a support 308 mounted on the front spar 30|, A link 308 is pivoted at one end to the bell crank 300 and at the opposite end to the undersurface of the spoiler 304. A control cable 3|0 that is suitably associated with the control stick is trained over pulleys 3|| and is attached to the bell crank by means of a connection 3|2. A coil spring 3|3 has one end attached to the connection 3|2 and the other end secured in the nose of the wing 300. Thespring 3|3 will tend to hold normally the spoiler in the position shown in Figure 11. Mani-` festly, when a pull is exerted on the. control' cable 3|0, the bell crank will be rocked about its 4pivot 301. and the spoiler 304 will be moved up into. the airflow over the wing.

Mounted on an arcuate supporting member 3|4 which is of substantially circular configuration as shown in Figure 26 in a recess 3|6 formed in the upper trailing edge of the wing. A flap 3|1 similar in construction and operation to the ap shown in Figure 12 is supported beneath the rear trailing edge of the wing by means of links 318. I

As shown in Figure 17, the movable supporting member 3|4 is adapted to extend through a slot 3|9 `in the rear spar 3|0 and through a slot 320 provided in the nest 3|6. In order to support the arcuate shaped member 3|4, a pair of upper 15 and lower rollers 32| and 322, respectively, are provided immediately forward of the rear spar 3|0. As best shown in Figure 21, the rollers are mounted on shafts 323 that are suitably journa'lled in longitudinal bracing members 324 pro- 20 vided in the trailing edge of the wing. .In addition, a second pair of rollers 325 and 326 are suitably supported in the trailing edge near the nested portion 3|6. It can be readily seen from Figure 17 that the above mentioned rollers in eiect 25 afford a cantilever support for the movable arcuate shaped member 3|4. In`order to move the arcuate support member 3|4 from its nested position to the position shown in Figure-17. where the aileron 3|5 is disposed in the airow over 30 to the tube 330.

The teeth 328 of the gear 328 are engaged with the teeth of the rack 321. It is believed appay rent, therefore, that when the gear 328 is rotated, the rack 323 will be moved.

In Figure 17, it can be seen that an electric 45 motor 340 of the reversing type is suitably supported in the trailing portion of the wing. The motordrives a worm gear 34| that is associated with the tube |30. Obviously, whenA the motor f drives the worm gear 34|, the gear I328 will move 50 or the support can be moved in the opposite di- 55.

rection and dispose the. aileron within the nest or well 3|6.

It is, therefore, necessary to provide some mechanism by which the aileron 3|5 can be actuated through the control stick by the pilot when 60 it is in its operative position (see Figure 17)'.

By referenceto Figure 1'7, it can be seen that an arcuate tube member 345 is slidably ittedv within the arcuate support member 3|4. An extension 346 is fitted into the open innermost 65 `end of the member 345and is secured thereto by any desired means. It is clearly apparent from Figures 18 and 20 that the extension is provided with a bifurcated end 341, the purpose of which will la/ter become apparent. l

In Figure 20, it can be .seen that the aileron 3|5 is provided with a Isupporting rod 350 that is suitably supported in bracing members 35| The aileron is supported on the slidablemember 3|4 bv means of a pair of parallel arms 362 which 76 is an'aileron 3|5 that nests 5 extend through a slot 353 in the lower leading edge of the aileron and are tted around the tube 350 as shown at 354.

An operating arm 355 is positioned between the supporting arms 352 and the upper lend is secured to the tube 350 by a pin 356. It can be seen from Figure 20 that the lower end of the arm 355 extends through aligned slots 351 formed in the upper and lower portions of the sliding member 314. An elongated aperture 360 is formed in the lower portion of the arm 355 through which extends a pin 361 that is carried by the bfurcated portions of the extension 346. Clearly, any arcuate movement of the tube 345 will translate an oscillatory motion to the aileron 315 by reason of the ailerons connection with the extension 346 through the arm 355.

As best shown in Figure 18, it can be seen that the end of the tube 345 is'formed with a downwardly extending pin 365 which carries a ball 366 at the end thereof. The ball 366 fits in a socket 361 carried in an enlarged end of a connecting rod 368. The enlarged end is interiorly threaded and a cap 368 -screws therein to holdA the ball 366 in proper position. The opposite end of the connecting rod 368 is provided with an enlarged end having a socket 310. bracket 311 is suitably attached to the lower portion of the supporting member 314. Pivotally mounted to the bracket at 312 is an arm 313 to which is attached at each end by suitable connections 314, aileron operating cables 315 that in turn are aixed to the control mechanism associated with the control stick `(not shown). arm 313 is formed with a right angled extension 316 that carries a pin 311 depending therefrom. The pin is-formed with a ball 318 at its lower end which ts into the socket 310. A screw cap 319 is screwed into the open end of the connecting rodv 368, thereby holding the ball 311 in its proper location.

When the arm 313 is moved about its pivot 312 by a pull being' exerted on the control cable 315, the connecting rod 368 will be moved either to the right or left depending, of course, upon the direction of pull on the cable. OI course, if the rod 368 is moved toward the right, the tube 345 will likewise be moved ,toward the right within the supporting member,` 314, thereby moving the aileron upwardly through the connections previ` ously discussed. Similarly, as the pull on the control cables moves the connecting rod 368 to the left, the tube 345 will likewise be moved to the right and the aileron will bemoved downwardly.

In order to disconnect thespoilers from the control stick when the ilap is lowered and the aileron is moved to its operativeoosition, I have adapted totrip the arms 382 and 383 of a limitl switch-384 that is located in the trailing portion of the wing.

A supporting' Thev In addition, there is further provided a fourpole reversing switch 385 that is located at a point adjacent the leading edge of the flap 311 when the flap is in its upper or inoperative position. When the flap is moved to its nested position, the switch 3051s in the position shown in Figure 23; current will ow from battery 000 through line 401 to a pivot point 402 of the switch, to point 403 through line 404 to the limit switch 405. Current then ilows from the limit switch through 'line 406 to the eld F of the motor 340, then through line 401 to point 41 1', point 408', point 408, line 409 to one side of the motor 340. Current then ilows from the other side o the motor through line lM0 to the :point 411 to point 412 through the switch to point 413 through line 414 to the other side of the battery 400.

At the same time, current ows from one side of the battery 400 through line 415 to point 416 through the spoiler control clutch solenoid 411 through line 418 to point 419 through the switch to point 420, thence to line 414 back to the other side of the battery 400. After the movable support member 314 has been moved rearwardly to its nested position, limit switch 405 is opened and the other limit switch 405 is closed, thus stopping the motor.

When it is desired to move the iiap down, it is clear that the aileron must be moved out into the airflow. The motor 340 is caused to turn in the necessary direction by having switch `385 thrown to the position engaging contacts 420', 413, 411 and 402', the switch is in the position just indi'- cated when the nose of the ap no longer contacts the switch. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that when the switch is thrown, as above described, the spoiler clutch solenoid is deenergzed and the aileron clutch solenoid is energized. Also, it will be obvious that upon completion of the ailerons support movement out into the airflow, limit switch 405 will open and limit switch 405 will close, thus completing the foregoing cycle.

In Figures 24 to 27, there is shown a wing 500 having an aileron/501 that is adapted to lt within a wellA 502 formed in the trailing edge of the wing when the aileron is in the inoperative posi- The aileron sul 1s mounted on a longitudinally movable support tube 504 that extends through apertures 505 and 506 in the rear spar 501 and the well 502 of the wing, respectively.

An extension 508 (see Figure 25) is fitted into the open end of the sipport tube 504. The extension 508 extends through an aperture 608 formed in. the leading edge of the aileron and is pivotally connected to asupporting rod 510 of the aileron as depicted yat 511. The connection 4 611 is of such size as to iit snugly between the aileron braces 512.

By reference to Figure 24, it can be noted that the support tube 504 is provided with an offset arm 514 that is preferably integrally formed therewith. The arm 514 is connected at its other end with a second rod 515. Carried at the inner end of the rod 515 is a piston (not shown) that moves in a cylinder 516 attached to the rear spar of the wing. The cylinder 516 has a gland 511 that will prevent any iluid from leaking out of the cylinder. v

A. valve cengtmeiionl canne sinuhr instructmatdshii'mdtothevain' there can be no danger of the aileron being 240 is disposed at a point adjacent the nose of the ap 503.

Obviously, when the flap 503 is in its up position. the piston carried by the rod |5 will be at the left end of the cylinder 5|6 and the support tube 504 will be within the connes of the wing and the aileron in the well 502.

However, when the flap is lowered by the pilot of the plane, the valve 520 will admit oil under pressure into the cylinder 5|6, forcing the piston toward the right of the cylinder (see Figure 24), simultaneously moving rod 5|5 and the'movable support tube 504 through the aperture 505 in the well, and positioning the aileron in the airflow at the rear of the trailing edge of the wing.

To operate the aileron 50| it can be observed that a second tube 525 of smaller diameter than cap is threaded onto the end of the rod 504 to hold the tube 525 r'mlywith respect to the tube 504.

A plate 529 having a hollow horizontally` extending portion 530 is fixed to the rear spar of the wing and the tube 525 extends therethrough. A sprocket 532 is suitably secured to the tube 525 and a bracket 533 attached to the plate 529 -holds the sprocket in proper position.

A length of chain 534 that is' positioned in the control cables of the plane (see Figure 11) is trained over the sprocket 532 so that whena pull is exerted on the control cables by the pilot the sprocket will be rotated. through the hub of the sprocket and into anl elongated aperture 536 provided in the tube 525. In

Figure 24 it is shown that the aperture 530 has a downwardly extending portion 531 at its end which will permit the aileron 50| to nest properly within the well 502 when` it is in its innermost position.

The inner-.end of the tube 525 is provided with internal screw threads 540, and a screw-threaded shank 54| of an operating member 542 is adapted vto be screwed into the threads 540. The member l wardly projecting supporting arms 541 secured- 542 carries an upwardly extending arm 543 having a bifurcated end 544. A link 545 is pivoted in the bifurcated end, as shown at 546, and the opposite end thereof is attached to a pair of up- .ther into the tube 525, then the link 545 Will be pulled rearwardly and the aileron moved up- Wardly. Inasmuch as the aileron 50| and the spoiler (not shown) are adapted to be engaged and disengaged from the control stick in the same manner and by a similar construction as that shown in Figures 6 and 11, it is not necessary to describe again this mechanism. l

It will be appreciated from the foregoing Vthat there are provided control surfaces for an airplane that will enable the employment of fullspan aps permitting minimum take-off distance and maximum reduction in landing speed. Moreover, by the association of the spoiler,ilap-and aileron control, there is afforded proper lateral control for airplanes at both low and high speeds. In addition, by preventing the use of the aileron as long as the flap is in its inoperative position,

A pin 535 extendsv ripped oif or damaged while the plane is flying, for example, at high speeds.

While I have shown several preferred embodiments of my inventive concept, it is, of course, to

be understood that I am not to be limited to thev precise structures set forth, but that the scope of my invention is to be determined solely by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In an airplane, a wing, an aileron, a ap, means to operate the aileron and ap, and additional means automatically operating in response to operation of the flap to prevent operation of the aileron when the ,ap is in its inoperative position.

2. In an airplane, a wing, an aileron, said aileron being adapted to be moved upwardly from a rst position to a second position above the upper i surface of -the wing, means for moving'the aileron as aforesaid, a flap, control means for said aileron and flap so constructed and arranged that the aileron cannot be moved to a position above the wing until the ilap is lowered, and means for lowering the ilap. n

3. In an airplane, a ,wing, a recess in the Wing, an aileron adapted to be positioned within the recess without the airflow over' the wing, means for moving the aileron from the recess, a ilap, means to lower and raise the ap, and control means for said aileron moving means operable in response to raising the ilap to prevent the aileron from being moved from the recess so long as the flap is in its upper position. y Y

4. In an airplane, a wing, a recess adjacent the upper trailing edge of the wing, an aileron adapted to be positioned within the recess without the airow over the wing, means to move the aileron from the recess, a flap mounted at the lower trailing edge of @the wing, means to lower and raise said flap, andmeans controlling operav tion of said aileron moving means as a function of ap movement to prevent the aileron from being moved from the recess to a point within the airow over the Win'g as long as the ap is in its upper position.

5. In an airplane, a` wing, an aileron adjacent the trailing edge of the wing, said aileron being adapted to move upwardly frofm a rst position to a second position above the upper surface o'f the.wingmeans for moving the aileron as aforesaid, aap adjacent the lower trailing edge of the wing, control means for said aileron and rlap so constructed and arranged that the aileron cannot be moved to a position above the wing until the nap is lowered, and means for lowering the flap.

6. In an airplane, a wing, an aileron for the trailing edge of the Wing, a ap for the lower trailing edge of the wing, a spoiler for the wing, means to operate the aileron, flap and spoiler, and additional mea-ns controlled by operation 'of the ilap to prevent operation of the aileron when the dan is in its inoperative position.

'7. In an airplane having a wing, an aileron and a flap operably associated with the wing, means for displacing the ilap from an inoperative position to an operative position thereof, means for adjusting the aileron independently of displacement of the flap, and control means for said aileron adjusting means, said control means comprising a 'control element operable in response to displacement of the iiap such that displacement of the nap from its operative position to its inoperative position causes the control means to adjusting means.

8. In an airplane, a wing having a recess, an

` aileron in said recess, means for mounting the aileron to accommodate displacement of the aileron from said recess to an operative position thereof out of said recess and from its operative position to said recess, means for displacing the aileron as aforesaid, a flap, means for mounting the ilap to accommodate swinging thereof downwardly from said wing from an inoperative position to an operative position thereof, means for swinging the ilap as aforesaid, and control means for said aileron displacing means operable in response to swinging of the flap such that said aileron displacing means is rendered inoperative to displace the aileron to its operative position in responseA to swinging of the flap from its operative position to its inoperative position.

9. In an airplane. a wing having a recess, an aileron in said recess, means for mounting the aileron to accommodate displacement of the aileron from said recess to an operative position thereof out of said recess and from its operative position to said recess, meansfor displacing the aileron as aforesaid, a flap, means for mounting the flap to accommodate swinging thereof downwardly from said wing from an inoperative position to an operative position thereof, means for swinging the flap as aforesaid, and control means for said aileron displacing means operable in response to swinging of the flap such that said aileron displacing means operates to displace the aileron from said recess in response to downward swinging of the flap and to displace the aileron to said recess in response to upward swinging of the flap back to its inoperative position, said control means preventing displacement of the aileron from said recess as long as the flap is in its inoperative position.

10. In an airplane, a wing, an aileron adapted for movement relative to the wing, means for moving the aileron, a flap adapted for movement relative to the wing from an inoperative position to a position of operation, a spoiler adapted for movement relative to the wing, means for moving the spoiler, a manually operable control device, a `clutch operable to connect the control device selectively with the aileron moving means and with the spoiler moving means, fluid actuated means for operating the clutch, and means for controlling the operation of the fluid actuated means by movement of the flap such that'as long as the ilap is in its inoperative position the clutch cormects the control device with the spoiler moving means and when the ap is moved to' its operative position the clutch disconnects the control device from the spoiler moving means and connects' the control device with the aileron moving means.

ll. In an airplane, a Wing having a recess, an aileron positioned within the recess without the airow overthe upper surface of the wing and adapted for movement from the recess to an operative position thereof within the airflow, means for adjusting the aileron when the latter is moved to its said operative position, a flap adapted for lowering movement relative to the wing from an inoperative position to a position of operation, means for lowering the ap as aforesaid, a spoiler adapted for movement relative to the wing, means for moving the spoiler, a manually operable control device, a clutch operable to connect the control device selectively with the aileron adjusting means and with the spoiler moving means, uid

salaam aileron positioned within the recess without the airflow over the upper surface of the wing and adapted for movement from the recess to an operative position thereof within the airflow, means for pivotally mounting the aileron on the wing to accommodate movement of the aileron as aforesaid, means for adjusting the aileron when the latter is moved to its said operative position, a i

ap adapted for lowering movement relative to the wing from an inoperative position to a position of operation, means for lowering the flap as aforesaid, a spoiler adapted for movement re1- ative to 'the wing, means for moving the spoiler, a manually operable control device, a clutch opv erable to connect the control device selectively with the aileron adjusting means and with the spoiler moving means, fluid actuated means for to its said operative position, and means for controlling the operation of the fluid actuated means by movement of the nap such that when the ilap is lowered the fluid actuated means operates to move the aileron to its said operative position and also operates the clutch to disconnect nthe control device from the spoiler moving means and to connect the control device with the aileron adjusting means.

13. In an airplane, a wing having a recess, an aileron positioned within the recess without the airflow over the upper surface of the wing and adapted for movement from the recess to an operative position thereof within the airow, a support for the aileron extending in a direction generally transversely of the wing, means for mounting'the support on the Wing for movement of the support in'said directionv to dispose the aileron in said operative position, means for adjusting the aileron when'the latter is moved to its said operative position, a flap adapted for lowering movement relative to the wing from an inoperative position to a position of operation, means for lowering the flap as aforesaid, a. spoiler adapted for movement relative to the wing, means for moving the spoiler, a manually operable control device, a clutchoperable to connect the control device selectively with the aileron adjusting means and with the spoiler moving means, power operating means for operating the clutch and for moving said support, and means for controlling the operation of th power operating means by movement of the flap such that when the flap is lowered the power operating means operates to move said support to dispose the aileron in its said operative position and to operate the clutch to disconnect the control device from the spoiler moving means and to connect the control device with the aileron adjusting means.

14. In an airplane, a wing having a recess, an aileron positioned within the recess without the airflow over the upper surface of the wing and adapted for movement from the recess to an operative position thereof within the airflow, a support for the aileron extending in4 a direction generally transversely of the wing, means for mountoperating the clutch and for moving the aileron the control device selectivehr with the aileron,

adjusting means and with the spoiler moving means, vuid actuated means' for operating the clutch and for moving said support, and means for controlling the operational the fluid actuated means by movement of the flap such that Y when the iiap is lowered the iluid actuated means operates to move said support to dispose the aileron in its said operative position and to operate the clutch to disconnect the control device from the spoiler moving means and to connect the control device with the aileron adjusting means.

l5. In an airplane, a. wing, an aileron adapted to be adjusted, a flap adapted for raising and lowering movement with respect to the wing, a spoiler adapted to be adjusted, -a control stick adapted for operation by the airplane pilot to adjust the spoiler and aileron, a clutch operable to operably connect the control stickselectively with the aileron and spoiler, and means controllecl by movement of the flap for operating the clutch such that the clutch operably connects the control stick with'the spoiler as long as the nap is in its raised position and such that the clutch is operated to disconnect the control stick from the spoiler and connect the control stick with the aileron by lowering the ilap.v

16. In an airplane, a wing, an aileron to be adjusted, a nap adapted for raising and lowering movement with respect to the wing, a spoiler adapted to be adjusted, a control s adapted for operation by adiust the spoiler and aileron, a clutehloperable to operably connect the control stick selectively with the aileron and spoiler. and electrically actuated means controlled by movement of the iiap for operating theclutchsuchthattheclutohllerably connects the control stick with the spoiler aslongastheilapisinitsraisedposltlonand suchthattheclutohisoperatetodisconnectthe controldstick from the spoiler andeonnect the control stick with the aileron by lowering the flap.

17.Inanairplane,awinghavingarecess,an aileron positioned within the recess without the airllow over the opper surface or adapted for movement erative position thereof within the airflow, meam foradjustingtheaileronwbenthelatterismoved to its said. operative lowering movement relative tothe wing from an 1inoperative position to a position or operation.

meansforloweringthenaparoresaiiaspoiler adapted for movement relative to the wing, means for movingthespmlen'a manually operable control devicaaelutchoperable to.connect thecontroldevlceselectlvelywiththeaileronadjusting means with the spoiler moving means.electrlcallactuatedmeamforoperating theclutchandormoving operativepositiomandmeansforeontrolliutthe operation of the electrically actuated means by movement ofthenap suchthat when the ilap isloweredthe. ectricallraetoatedmeansoperatestomovetheailerontortssakloperatlvepodtlonandaisooperatesthe'clutchtodisconneot tothewingfromanl posed within said recess adapted for movement adapted y said. means for the airplane pilot tov -relative to the wing,

fmmtherecstoanoppositlnmadapadaptedror tlmailerontoitssaid.

the control device Ifrom the spoiler moving means and to connect the control device with the aileron adjusting means.

18. In'an airplane, a f having a recess, an aileron vpositioned within the recess without the airflow over the upper surface of the wing and adapted for movement from the recess to an operative position thereof rearwardly of the trailing edge ci the wing, support means for the aileron operable to move the aileron as aforesaid,

'means for adjusting the aileron when the latter is moved to its said operative position, a nap adapted for lowering movement relative tothe wing trom an inoperative position to a position of operation, means for. lowering the nap as aforesaid, a spoiler adapted for adjustment relative to the means manually operable control device, a clutch operable to connect the control device selectively with the aileron adjusting means and with the spoiler adjusting means, and means controlled by movement of the tlap for operating the clutch and for fil for adjusting the spoiler, a v

operating the aileron support means such that as long as the nap is in its raised position .the clutch operably connects the control device-with the spoiler adjusting means and the aileron is disand such that by lowering the nap the clutch is operated to the control device from the spoiler adusting means and connect the aileron adjusting means and means is operated to move the aileron to its operative position.

19. Inairairplaneawinghaving arecess,an aileron positioned within the recess without the airflow over the upper 'surface of the wing and from the recess to an 0D* rearwardly or the trailingedge of the Support meansior the aileron operable to move the aileron as aforeadjusting the aileron when the to its said operative position, a

erative position thereof latter is moved flap adapted for lowering the wingirom an inoperative position to oposition ot operation, means for lowering vthe nap are aforesaid, a spoiler amipted for adiustment meansior adjusting the spoiler, a manually operable control device, .a clutchoperabletoconnectthecontroldevl selectiveb with the aileron adusns means and -withthespoileradjtingmeansandmnd actucontrolled by movement of the nap chnchand'Ioroperating-the aileronsupportmeansshthataslongastbe raisedpodtiontheclutchoperablv vleerrcmthespuller 'meansanrlcon- *neottheeontroldevicewiththealleron adimting disconnect v control device with the the aileron support movement relative to 

